Blue Nuthatch
Sitta azurea
The Blue Nuthatch (Sitta azurea) is a rare nuthatch found in 3 countries, weighing about 16 g. The blue nuthatch is a bird species in the nuthatch family Sittidae.
About the Blue Nuthatch
The blue nuthatch is a bird species in the nuthatch family Sittidae. It is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring 13.5 cm (5.3 in) in length. The species, which shows slight sexual dimorphism, has dramatic plumage pattern unlike any other member of its genus. Its head is black or blackish-blue dark blue upperparts close to purple with azure feathers. The wings are edged with black. The throat and chest are white or a washed buff, contrasting with the upperparts and the belly of a very dark blue; the covert feathers are generally clear, blue-grey or purplish.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The blue nuthatch is a medium-sized nuthatch that has an average length of 13.5 cm (5.3 in). The weight is not known. Its appearance differs significantly from all other nuthatches. All of its subspecies are broadly black and white (especially when viewed in low-light conditions in which their dark blue colour is not apparent) and have upper plumage shot through with dramatic notes of cobalt, azure and other lighter shades of blue, as well as greys and purples. The head is black, or blackish-blue with a broad, pale blue eye ring. Voice: The species' calls include a melodious tup or tip, a sudden whit, a thin hissing sit, and a fuller, harder, and more forceful chit. When excited, sit and chit notes are frequently given quickly and repetitively as a chi-chit, chit-chit-chit or chir-ri-rit, which can be prolonged, accelerated into staccato trilling tititititititik, or even becoming a rattling tr-r-r-r-r-r-t.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Thailand.
When to see it
The Blue Nuthatch can be seen all year round, with peak activity in July. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Blue Nuthatch?
- The blue nuthatch is a medium-sized nuthatch that has an average length of 13.5 cm (5.3 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Blue Nuthatch?
- The Blue Nuthatch is a small sized bird weighing about 16 g.
- Where can you see a Blue Nuthatch?
- The Blue Nuthatch occurs in 3 countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.
- What birds look similar to a Blue Nuthatch?
- The Blue Nuthatch is most easily confused with the Corsican Nuthatch, the Chinese Nuthatch and the Eastern Rock Nuthatch.
- Is the Blue Nuthatch endangered?
- The Blue Nuthatch is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Blue Nuthatch for real
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